DA 26S Distribution Amplifier

Do you have a paging and background music application that would benefit from a low cost, one-box solution? The
DA 26S provides all of the tools needed to serve up to six zones. For even greater flexibility in source selection and zone distribution, combine the DA 26S with a Rane CP52S or CP64S music and paging preamplifier. Many existing solutions require installers to employ separate paging preamplifier, dynamics processor, crossover, distribution amplifier and remote-level-control devices. These systems are expensive and require a lot of wiring, yet fail to meet all of the requirements. The DA 26S provides all of the required features in one compact package.

The DA 26S routes a mono program source and priority/page source to as many as six zones. The mono program source is processed by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit featuring adjustable target level, ratio and attack/decay.

The priority/page input features automatic signal detection and remote zone assignment. A means of automatically attenuating program music over a range of 0 dB to –80 dB during a page allows mic/line mixing, talk-over or priority-replaces-program operation.

Each of the six outputs distributes full-range, high-pass or low-pass program music. Small bookshelf or hanging speakers frequently require bass enhancement. Bass enhancement is achieved by adding bass to the full range response or by employing a true bi-amp system. The DA 26S provides a 24 dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley crossover that supports both bass enhancement schemes. Wired remote level control ports allow independent control of music amplitude in each zone. Loudness compensation is automatic when a remote is used. Remote level controls do not influence the priority/page level. It is possible to control multiple remote level ports with a single remote device. This allows one remote device to control the level in multiple zones or both high-pass and low-pass outputs in a single zone.

Block Diagram

DA 26S Application with Remotes

Wired remote level control ports allow independent control of music amplitude in each zone. Loudness compensation is automatic when a remote is used. Remote level controls do not influence the priority/page level. It is possible to control multiple remote level ports with a single remote device. This allows one remote device to control the level in multiple zones or both high-pass and low-pass outputs in a single zone. Rane makes the VR1 Remote Control, and instructions are provided for wiring your own pot.

The optional VR 1 wired Remote Control allows Level control from within the Zone area. Range is 0 to -80 dB.

To control more than one Remote Port with a single Remote control, it is only necessary to connect the Vc pin of each additional port.

Do not short the Vr pin to ground. This pin is current limited; however, excess heat is generated in the 5 V supply if a short occurs. Never subject the Vr pin to voltages above 5 V.

The VR 1 remote assembly mounts in a standard U.S. electrical box with a minimum depth of 2.25" (5.5 cm). Install any Decora plate of your choice. For a secured installation, you may wish to leave the knobs off and use a blank Decora plate to cover the remote after adjustment.

In this example, the paging mic from reception has priority over the music source. Remotes for source selection and volume are within four zones. One zone has sub and satellite speakers, another zone is fed to the telephone music-on-hold. Any zone may be wired to have priority remote control over other zones.

DA 26S Support

What type of wire can I use to connect the remote?

For runs up to 200 feet any five conductor wire, 14 to 22 gauge will
suffice. Use shielded wire for distances greater than 200 feet.

I can't get the page microphone to work. What am I doing wrong?

First check all the wire connections at both ends of the mic cable. Next
be sure to set the PRIORITY INPUT MIC/LINE switch correctly on the rear panel. Once you have the setting
correct, turn up -- clockwise -- the PRIORITY GAIN control and see if you
can light the OL indicator when you yell into the mic. Now adjust the DETECT threshold to get ACTIVE to illuminate.
If all this checks out, it's time to follow the step-by-step in the manual.